Graeme McIntyre advises that after the very high river levels on the Kahuterawa River early this week (that saw the river flowing higher than it did in the February 2004 February floods) a farm bridge over the Kahuterawa at the Scott's Road end of the river (the first bridge you paddle under not far from the first drop) has been washed-out as well as some trees in the area. It is highly likely that parts of this bridge and maybe trees are now at the bottom of the first drop and you should scout the drop before paddling it.

Recreational kayakers may continue to utilise fit-for-purpose PFDs until 1 October 2014 following ministerial approval of an amendment (PDF, 192kb) to the infamous Rule Part 91. For commercial operations, the date is 1 October 2011; clubs renting equipment are regarded as commercial operations by MNZ.

Roy Bailey from Central Otago Whitewater warns, All paddlers heading into the middle section of the Shotover River, Skippers bridge to Deep Creek, are advised to contact Skippers Canyon Jet before getting on the river. They can do this by phoning 03 442 9434, (this number is also on a sign at the Skippers Saddle where there is good cell coverage) or dropping into their base on your way into the river.

Andi Uhl writes from Rotorua to say, A tree in Awesome Gorge on the Kaituna River that caused a fatal accident on August 19 has now been removed. In co-operation with Environment BoP (who lowered the river level to three gates on 200 for a day) some local paddlers and rafters cut the tree into several pieces. Awesome Gorge is currently (as of 29 August) clear of dangerous logs, although two or three trees line the left bank in the really narrow section.

A visiting paddler from the United States died after becoming entrapped in several trees while running Awesome Gorge at high flow yesterday (Sunday 19 August). The kayaker, aged 23, was in a party of four boaters, described as experienced. The section of gorge is very narrow (approx. 3m wide) making it difficult to avoid fallen trees. His body and kayak were recovered by local paddlers later that day, after the control gates had been closed to reduce flow.

In January 2007 NZRCA Education Officer Matt Barker organised a safety and rescue seminar in Murchison where rescue research was presented to NZOIA Kayak 2 award holders. Rescue course practice was discussed and the current NZRCA safety and rescue syllabi were discussed and suggestions made for changes. The revised course design and syllabi are now available for River Safety and River Rescue courses.